Chinese Lantern (Physalis Alkekengi) -Chinese Lantern flower seed produces an ornamental flower that has an orange seed pod that looks like glowing orange paper lanterns. Physalis Alkekengi perennial plants have white flowers in the summer that will be replaced by green seed pods that will eventually turn orange or red in the early fall. Chinese Lantern plants are often grown for drying as the orange seed pods dry well and can also be used in dried floral arrangements. The Chinese Lantern plants are known for their rhizomes which spread. Many gardeners recommend confining its growth so that it does not become too aggressive. Another common name for Chinese Lantern is Strawberry Ground Cherry.

Chinese Lantern seeds can be planted indoors 6 - 8 weeks before in the end of frost season. Using starter trays or small pots, lightly cover the flower seeds with soil. Or, once danger of frost has passed, the Physalis Alkekengi seeds can be started directly outdoors, leaving 24 inches between plants. Keep the flower seeds moist until germination.